Interior 1st Gen Whalen shift knob - which finish?

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by JCC, Feb 24, 2011.

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  1. JCC

    JCC New Member

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    #1 JCC, Feb 24, 2011
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2011
    I'm buying a Whalen shift knob second hand with a polished finish and the six speed shift pattern already engraved. I don't care for the polished finish and really like the look of the bead blasted finish. I heard from someone who had the bead blasted finish that the texture felt like 'nails on a chalkboard' or had that effect. He also said it had to be cleaned often. I'm trying to decide if brushed is going to be the way to go instead.

    Anyone have experience with the bead blasted? Thanks!
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #2 Nathan, Feb 24, 2011
    I have a brushed one, you can stop by the house and fondle it, see if it works for you.
     
  3. JCC

    JCC New Member

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    #3 JCC, Feb 24, 2011
    Sure, I'll send you a PM. I thought for sure you had the bead blasted gnat on the Whalen gallery on Shutterfly.
     
  4. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #4 Nathan, Feb 24, 2011
    Whoops, my bad, it is the beadblasted one.

    I had a brushed one too, just had a different pattern.
     
  5. JCC

    JCC New Member

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    #5 JCC, Feb 24, 2011
    That's exactly what I need to try out. I'm guessing you haven't had any issues with the texture?
     
  6. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #6 Nathan, Feb 24, 2011
    I'm rather happy with it. Then again I don't drag my nails over it.
     
  7. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

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    #7 rkw, Feb 24, 2011
    No problems with my bead blasted finish (with brushed ring accent). I wanted the finish with the least amount of shine. I don't understand how dirt would be an issue because the texture is so fine grained. I have never cleaned it, ever, in 5 years. Nor do I understand the chalkboard description unless you are touching it with your fingernails. I never do that when I'm operating the shifter.

    [​IMG]

    If you want to convert your current knob, I think you can send it to Doug and have him either bead blast or brush it for a nominal fee (possibly only shipping charge).
     
  8. JCC

    JCC New Member

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    #8 JCC, Feb 24, 2011
    Thanks, guys.

    I've been in contact with Doug about the refinish. VERY reasonable cost plus return shipping. Again, I really like the look of the bead blasted. Brushed is my second choice.
     
  9. Ernesto

    Ernesto Club Coordinator

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    #9 Ernesto, Feb 24, 2011
    +1 on the bead blasting..

    It is a little rough on the tongue, but perfect for regular driving.



    [​IMG]
     
  10. JCC

    JCC New Member

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    #10 JCC, Feb 24, 2011
    Thanks for the feedback.
     
  11. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #11 Metalman, Feb 24, 2011
    Ernesto.....
    That pic kills me....:D
     
  12. JCC

    JCC New Member

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    #12 JCC, Feb 24, 2011
    So I stopped by to check out the gnat shift knob and I believe I have decided on the bead blasted finish.

    Thanks again, Nathan!

    Sent using Tapatalk
     
  13. Way Motor Works

    Way Motor Works New Member

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    #13 Way Motor Works, Feb 25, 2011
    I'm Bias I have the brushed.:Thumbsup:
     
  14. JCC

    JCC New Member

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    #14 JCC, Feb 26, 2011
    Thanks Way!


    Sent using Tapatalk
     
  15. JCC

    JCC New Member

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    #15 JCC, Mar 1, 2011
    Doug emailed me this morning at 8:33AM asking if I had decided on the finish. I replied at 8:36AM. He replied at 9:11AM saying its done and would ship it today Priority Mail. Amazing! Whalen rocks!! :D
     
  16. KittyMini

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    #16 KittyMini, Mar 1, 2011
    Regardless of finish preference, Whalen rocks! :Thumbsup:
     
  17. greenson

    greenson New Member

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    #17 greenson, Mar 2, 2011
    I am new to this site and live in the UK - would you be knid enough to direct me as to where I could purchase one of these gear shift knobs - they look the biz !
    many thanks
    Richard
     
  18. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    #18 Justa Jim, Mar 2, 2011
    Right here:

    Whalen Shift Machine - Custom Shifters

    He is a site sponsor. :Thumbsup:

    Jim
     
  19. Dwight

    Dwight Racing with the Gods
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    #19 Dwight, Mar 2, 2011
    The absolute best finish to put on a Whalen shift knob adapter is a Robin Casady wood one! :Thumbsup:
     
  20. KC Jr 54

    KC Jr 54 New Member

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    #20 KC Jr 54, Mar 2, 2011
    I have been drooliing over some of the Robin Casady ones... They are just simply beautiful. Personally, i would want a "LeMans" edition Hawaiian Curly Koa....dont know if it will ever happen though.
     
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